Pupils from Peasedown St John Primary School will regularly visit the award-winning Orchid Project at Writhlington School.

The new visits comes as part of a new drive to enhance children’s understanding of science.

Throughout 2025, pupils in years three and five will volunteer at the project as part of the curriculum.

Ruth Noall, headteacher at Peasedown St John Primary School, said: “As part of our science learning this year, we have arranged for all year three and year five children to visit the Orchid Project at Writhlington school.

“The trips will enhance the learning and experiences in science that the children have already had and provide an exciting foundation for their learning later in the year.”

Writhlington School’s Orchid Project has been running for 30 years and is recognised nationally for its innovative approach to biodiversity.

An enterprise run by students from years 7 to 13, it involves the laboratory propagation of orchids from seed, the cultivation of those orchids in a school greenhouse and the sale of seedlings and plants to the public across the UK.

The income generated has been used to fund student expeditions to Rwanda, Laos, Sikkim and other biodiverse tropical habitats to initiate and support the development of sustainable community enterprises.

The project also offers valuable experiences and opportunities for both the Writhlington students involved and their overseas partners.

Ruth added: “Our children will work in the greenhouses and science labs, studying the plants in detail and learning how they are cared for.

“Activities will link to year three learning about plants and year five learning about adaptations and plant reproduction, as well as giving an exciting flavour of science lessons at secondary school.

“We’re delighted to be working with staff and students at Writhlington school in this exciting way.”